![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647547d9110ed85c170ea880/a3e24e7d-eba1-4ec6-80ff-15df13695b4b/CFP+%2821%29.png)
22 May, 2024
The recent Australian Fashion Week has taken two steps back from last year's event, sparking important conversations about diversity, authenticity, and the true essence of fashion. The community argues that the event, once a platform for creativity and innovation, has failed to represent the diverse and vibrant fashion scene in Australia. To truly understand these issues, who better to talk to than those who experienced it firsthand? I spoke with Neo and Muskan, two attendees who shared their insightful perspectives on the matter.
Neo, who creatively goes by ALIAS RUVA, is a dancer, model, and artist based in Brisbane. "Being a first-generation Zimbabwean immigrant in Australia, I’ve always found I don’t really see people who look like me in the creative scene. This lack of representation motivated me to make a TikTok about the diversity issues at AFW," Neo explained. She passionately argued that fashion is more than just an everyday look. "Step out of your comfort zone. That's what fashion is. Fashion is a form of art, it's a form of creativity. Just because you throw on a fit doesn't make it a look." This sentiment underscores the need for fashion to push boundaries and express individuality.
Neo Utete, AFW
Neo shared that Australia is one of the most diverse nations, so it makes no sense why AFW doesn't showcase that. "A lot of current fashion trends have been driven by queer people and people of colour. Yet, we're not shown as the final products.” She also addressed the role of brands, stating, "Brands and PR companies should strive to find people who are authentically themselves and produce content that goes against the status quo. Unfortunately, these brands are too scared to take that jump, resulting in influencers who don't care about fashion on the runway." Neo believes that the TikTok algorithm only showcases what it thinks people want to see. "Authentic creatives are minorities, so they're not seen. The only way to make significant change is to put these creatives in positions of power."
Neo stressed the importance of giving diverse voices a platform, acknowledging that while Australian Fashion Week isn't all bad, it falls short in some areas. "Shows like Nicol and Ford, Wackie Ju, and The Injury do showcase people from varying backgrounds, but they aren't given the same spotlight as more eurocentric shows. Fashion is for everyone, not just those with a certain look, body type, or size. It should aim to make everyone feel seen." She appreciates these shows for providing a platform to those who don't fit the so-called Australian aesthetic, without being tokenistic.
Neo Utete
You said, "Step out of your comfort zone. That's what fashion is." Can you give us an example of how you've done this in your own fashion journey?
“I’ve always been someone who stayed true to myself and always stepped out of the box. Back in high school people used to be so weirded out by some of my fashion choices (rightfully so). I think every fashion enthusiast has gone through their “experimental stage” and I do have a few fits that I look back on and cringe. But how I have developed my own personal style is by picking up bits and pieces that I did like and being inspired by the people around me, then constructing my fits around how I want to be presented. I’ve gotten to a point now that my friends can walk into a store and be like ‘that’s definitely something Neo would wear’. Some people may hate my style and some people may love it but if it gets the people talking then I’ve done my job.”
Despite the challenges, Neo remains hopeful. "I still have hope for AFW and Australia's creative scene. It may take time, but we need to support and uplift the creatives around us who deserve the platform," she concluded.
Muskan Sharma, AFW
Muskan, another attendee, shared her experience and insights as well. She has been creating content for over two years and loves representing her South Asian community in the fashion and beauty space, which motivated her to voice her thoughts and discuss the lack of diversity at AFW. Muskan described the atmosphere as electric, with people of different sizes and backgrounds expressing themselves through fashion. However, despite being interviewed and photographed a few times, the media coverage largely ignored this diversity. "Instead, it focused on a very specific group of people, overshadowing more interesting and bolder looks," she said.
Leaving ethics aside, she believes brands need to capitalise on the fact that Australia is a multicultural country. The West often underestimates the passion for fashion in the East. While the media often portrays countries like India as poverty-stricken and disconnected from mainstream fashion, the reality is quite different. The craftsmanship and luxury in fashion from these regions are unparalleled. For instance, Sabyasachi recently made their debut at the Met Gala, and designers like Manish Malhotra are dressing celebrities such as Rihanna and Zendaya. Although the rest of the world is starting to recognise this, the Australian fashion industry is lagging in appreciating the economic power and trend-setting influence of the East. Traditional garments like lehengas and saris are treated as couture for weddings, even for guests. Despite this, Australian brands often overlook these markets, failing to see the immense value and buying power they represent. This lack of representation feels like a significant oversight.
Muskan Sharma, AFW
You said, "I feel like we're missing the point of fashion week." What do you think is the true point of fashion week?